My niece has mentioned scrapbooking “nights out” with her friends, whereby they gather at various homes and spend the evening, sometimes the entire night, chatting, snacking, and working on their memory scrapbooks.  It can be for a few hours  of scrapbooking or a slumber party with everyone working far into the night.
Other crafters make this a mother and daughter session when they  gather with friends in the evening and work on crafts of various types.  These can be sessions at someone’s home, at a local library or community meeting place.
Most crafts lend themselves to “nights out” for gathering with friends …read more

 Most quilters enjoy cooking, too, and frequently look for recipes to share.  Ever since the pioneer quilting bees, women brought foods along and exchanged recipes.
 My grandfather mentioned this in his writing. (He was a newspaper columnist in addition to being a farmer).  Grandfather Coon described his mother going to quilting gatherings at the neighbor’s where the ladies also served refreshments.
When my daughter and her Fiber Divas group get together for work and planning, they always have refreshments, too.  Also, they occasionally visit fabric shops, galleries, or take a class.  Then they plan on stopping at favorite resaurants for a special …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com
As I read the comments left on my post, Quilting Word of the Week – Quilting Bee, I realize many women are fascinated by this activity even if they’ve never been involved in one.  I also enjoy your sharing with me your thoughts about quilting bees.
You don’t have to participate in quilting bees to be a quilter or fabric artist.  But they can be fun.
In fact, the only time I have is when I was learning to quilt with my grandmother and aunt.  They spread their quilts on the large dining table, then tied the top, filling (often a flannel …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com 
While I’m suggesting a Quilting Bee Recipe Book for a bride, why not include a recipe?  I’ve discovered that quilters like collecting recipes almost as much as they do fabric!
No Roll Sugar Cookies come from the quilting days of my childhood.
Cream together 1 cup shortening and 2 cups sugar; add 2 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Stir in sifted dry ingredients: 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well, then chill. Roll into walnut size balls, place on greased cookie sheet and flatten with fork.
Bake at 350 degrees F. until …read more

 QuiltingAndPatchwork.com

  Valentine’s Day brings many thoughts to mind and can revolve around numerous activities.  Caring and sharing, giving thoughtful gifts and cards, special foods and favors, creating memories that last throughout the years.
What can quilters and fabric artists do for Valentine’s Day?

1. Make fabric Valentine postcards with lace and flowers and old-fashioned themes.
Hold a Valentine’s Day quilting bee or gathering with each working on hearts and flowers themed pieces.
Exchange Valentine colored fabrics and those with heart designs.
Arrange a grab bag of accessories for quilting friends to select from.  
Or make small bags of accessories you give as favors…containing lace, buttons, charms and threads and yarns.
Organize …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com 
With the Super Bowl high on the entertainment schedule this coming Sunday, even quilters get into the mood.  They may not be attending the game nor even watching it on TV, but they’re planning their own parties.

You’ll find Super Bowl sales on fabrics and quilting supplies.  If shops are open in your area on Sunday, plan a shop hop.
Some quilting shops are open Sunday afternoon with gatherings for quilters who aren’t interested in watching the game.  If they do want to watch, then there might be a TV around.
If friends and family are getting together at your home for game celebrations, …read more